
The landmarks in every guidebook — and the tours that tell you what guidebooks don't.
Santa Barbara, often referred to as the "American Riviera," has a rich history that dates back to the 18th century. The area was originally inhabited by the Chumash people, whose presence spanned thousands of years. In 1602, Spanish explorer Sebastián Vizcaíno visited the region and named it after Saint Barbara. However, it wasn't until 1782 that the Spanish missionaries, led by Father Junípero Serra, founded the Mission Santa Barbara, marking the beginning of European settlement in the area.
The history of Santa Barbara is steeped in a blend of Spanish, Mexican, and American influences. Here are some key historical milestones:

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4.8 across the App Store and Google Play. Here's a few we keep coming back to.
This tour was such a great way to see the city. The stories were interesting without feeling too scripted, and I loved being able to explore at my own pace.
This was a solid way to get to know Brighton without feeling like a tourist. The narration had depth and context, but didn't overdo it.
Started this tour with a croissant in one hand and zero expectations. The app just vibes with you, no pressure, just you, your headphones, and some cool stories.